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Posted 5/23/2012 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new, I just posted the first time a day or two ago, God only knows, I"m all mixed up.  I feel so bad that I'm finding it hard to research and loearn what I should and shouldn't be doing - I hurt so bad, I'm so fatigued, and my brain is so fogged over I can't think straight.  I'm so worried I"m going to miss an appointment, miss something for my kids like an awards ceremony or a project due that they told me they needed stuff for, pay the bills, etc.  How in the world do y'all get through your day????  Anyway, just needed to say this to somebody.
Meg
Posted 5/23/2012 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the family smilewinkgrin   Yes the fog can be overwhelming at times. I find it is easier for me if I write things down on my calendar. I also use post it notes.

Researching is something I do often...because of a handful of conditions, I'm always looking for info. I print things out and keep folders for conditions and meds. I will print out info I want to show the rheumy. I write down questions for the doc soon as I think about them so I don't forget.

Taking one day at a time works best for me. I try not to dwell on stuff and keep busy doing things I enjoy. Making sure I take time to exercise really helps with the stress. The less stress the better!

Good luck to you. yeah Keep posting we do understand and we are here for you. :-)

Hugs, Robin

Posted 5/23/2012 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Meg,

Believe it or not, it WILL get easier! If nothing else, you'll begin to notice patterns that make life more predictable. That takes awhile, but it will happen.

Of course, you'll still have your major "losses of mind" that leave you in hysterics or in tears...but you won't be as likely to feel like that means your world is coming down around you.

I'm sure it is very difficult, having just received the diagnosis, and your husband being so far away. I don't know your kids' ages, but are they old enough to understand a little? Maybe they could leave you notes on the fridge (in big letters!) announcing when their important events are.

And come here to vent - as much as you want! There's almost always someone on....it's a very active forum, which makes it nice for us!

Debbie
Posted 5/24/2012 12:24 AM (GMT 0)
Wow, thanks so much! Knowing there's this place where I can come to, read, learn, and get encouragement from people who understand means so very much - ty! My kids that are still at home are 16 & 12, so they do help me a lot. I just feel bad when they want to do things and I can't. The 12 yr old is the hardest. She doesn't understand this running out of energy thing, lol. I took my neurotin, we went out to eat, and I felt good enough to walk the dog around the block TWICE!
I think I'll start a daily diary w/ a section for food, exercise, medication/vitamins, sleep patterns - maybe I can find one that has a calendar in the front w/ sections of paper to write in. I'd really like to find the right balance, and I know it takes time - it's just hard when it involves so much pain and other people that you don't want to let down. Ok, thanks so much.
Meg
Posted 5/24/2012 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
I have a large Maltese calendar hanging in the kitchen by the stove.  I can't miss the thing.  Anything I need to remember is on that calendar.

Post-Its are your new best friend.  If something is REALLY important, they can be stuck on the microwave, the bathroom mirror, the car mirror.

This is a great place to be, welcome again!!!!

Posted 5/24/2012 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
I have SO had days like that. So overwhelmed I can't even function. It is not fun and causes a lot of anxiety about missing important tasks and events as you mentioned. Those seem to be the dsys that everybody wants to call about something, too! I just let voicemail get it until I feel like I have a handle on things.

I always handle bills on every other Friday. I may not be able to pay them all, but I pay what I can and review and do whatever related paperwork there is.

I use the calendar function in my cellphone to remind me of things. It alerts me at least 15 minutes before I need to be somewhere.

I also use a pad of paper on a clipboard I've labeled "Mom's Brain." lol

That helps a lot in sorting tasks -- I try to do the most important things first so if (more like WHEN) I get fatigued I can rest.
Posted 5/24/2012 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
My cell phone calendar is a lifesaver. I set the alarm with enough time to get ready and drive where ever I'm going so if I've forgotten something I have plenty of time to still get there. I need something that demands attention, it is too easy for me to forget to look at a calendar.

Writing stuff down will help. I've gotten a lot of good advice from this great group and I feel a lot better now than I did when I was diagnosed 10 months ago.

Joy
Posted 5/24/2012 6:44 AM (GMT 0)
Meg- don't feel bad about having so many things to remember. I told my Dr. It seem like a real job just trying to stay on top of this fibro. I have to work at it each day and if I don't, oh do I know it. I am not to tec savey so note pads go well with me. Just remember take each day at a time. Let your kids on how mommy sometimes forgets and needs help at times. My daughter types her schedule for the week and puts it on the frig. I guess she was tired of me asking when are you getting off work and school. Lol Don't feel guilty if you need to rest or nap. The house work will always be there 24/7. Remember these symptoms have been around for some time, so it will take time to see some results. I still have the fatigue, but better manage. I know it was result of learning how to manage the fibro better.
Posted 5/24/2012 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
I absolutely second a good calendar. I have an iPod touch that is primarily my calendar with lots of alarms and reminders set. I also have a lot of very useful apps, for those times I need to check something RIGHT NOW or I'll forget, like my bank account or a quick google search. I also have quite a few mind-exercising game apps on it. I truly believe the research that says that you lose what you don't lose, and on days when I feel really foggy playing one of the games for even a few minutes helps my concentration and clear out the cobwebs a little.
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